Wondering where to find the best museums near you?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top museums in Miami, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to venture next time you're ready to be informed and amazed.
1. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Topping the list is Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. Housed in the mansion of industrialist James Deering, the National Historic Landmark is distinguished by its architecture, gardens, art and furnishings. It also retains one of the only remaining native forests in Miami.
Located at 3251 S. Miami Ave., it is the highest-rated museum in Miami, boasting 4.5 stars out of 531 reviews on Yelp.
2. Burger Museum by Burger Beast
West Flagler's Burger Museum by Burger Beast, located in the Magic City Casino at 450 N.W. 37th Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving it five stars out of 21 reviews. It features over 3000 pieces of historical artifacts, collectibles and ephemera from dozens of burger-focused restaurants and restaurant chains, past and present.
For example, you'll see a vintage Bob's Big Boy statue, a Burger Chief sign and lots of McDonald's memorabilia. Stop next door for an old-fashioned ice cream soda at Wall's Ice Cream.
3. Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center
Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center in Little Havana, is another go-to, with four stars out of 71 Yelp reviews. The core of the museum's collection of Cuban art was brought to the U.S. by its founder, Roberto Ramos, as he fled the country by boat. It now houses one of the largest private collections of Cuban art in the world, according to The New York Times, covering the period 1800-1958.
The venue also regularly hosts live events featuring Cuban dance and music. Head over to 1465 S.W. Eighth St., Suite 106, to see for yourself.
4. HistoryMiami
Next, check out HistoryMiami, which has earned four stars out of 54 reviews on Yelp. An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, this museum collects, preserves and celebrates Miami’s history through exhibitions, performances, city tours, education, research and publications.
Included in the permanent collections are floor panels featuring the Miami Heat logo from the Miami Arena, Miami co-founder William Brickell’s tombstone, a Seminole dugout canoe and objects saluting the 100th anniversary of Miami Beach. You can find the museum downtown at 101 W. Flagler St.
5. Freedom Tower
And then there's Freedom Tower, a downtown favorite with four stars out of 22 reviews. Operated by Miami Dade College, this National Historic Landmark modeled after the famous Giralda Cathedral Bell Tower in Seville, Spain, was built in 1925 as offices for The Miami News. It was later operated by the U.S. government as a reception center for Cuban refugees from 1962 to 1974.
Now, through the Kislak Center and the Cuban Legacy Gallery, Freedom Tower tells the story of the region and its people, from pre-Columbian history to the present day. Head to 600 Biscayne Blvd. to experience it next time you're in the area.
